Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain what a projectile is, and why any device that shoots a projectile at high speed must be handled with care and respect, and used only in approved locations.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Explain the basic rules of safe gun handling that apply to all firearms.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family’s firearm.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 1.d
      Explain the need for, types, and use of eye protection and hearing protection.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 1.e
      Explain the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 1.f
      Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 1.g
      Successfully complete a state hunter education course, or obtain a copy of the hunting laws for your state, then do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 1.g.1
         Explain the main points of hunting laws in your state, and any special laws on the use of guns and ammunition, AND
      2. # Copy link to requirement 1.g.2
         List the kinds of wildlife that can be legally hunted in your state.
   8. # Copy link to requirement 1.h
      Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines followed while shooting.
   9. # Copy link to requirement 1.i
      Identify places in your community where you can join or be a part of range and target activities.
   10. # Copy link to requirement 1.j
       Discuss with your counselor a list of sources you could contact for information on firearms and their use.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Working under the supervision of a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Rifle instructor and a certified range safety officer, at a nationally authorized camp property or at a commercial firearm range (as defined in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual), do ONE of the following options:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Option A—Rifle Shooting (Modern Cartridge Type). Do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.a
         Identify the three main parts of a rifle, and tell how they function.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.b
         Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling a rifle.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.c
         Identify the two types of cartridges, their parts, and how they function.
      4. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.d
         Explain to your counselor what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are, and explain the procedures to follow in response to each.
      5. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.e
         Explain and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting a rifle: aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow-through.
      6. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.f
         Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a rifle on a range, including understanding and following range procedures and commands.
      7. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.g
         Explain the basic safety rules for cleaning a rifle, and identify the materials needed.
      8. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.h
         Demonstrate how to clean a rifle properly and safely.
      9. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.i
         Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a rifle.
      10. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.j
          Using a bolt-action .22 caliber rimfire rifle, and shooting from a benchrest or supported prone position at 50 feet, fire five groups (three shots per group) that can be touched by a quarter. Using these targets, explain how to adjust sights to zero a rifle.
      11. # Copy link to requirement 2.a.k
          Adjust sights to center the group on the target and fire five groups (five shots per group). In the event that your instructor determines it is not practical to adjust the sights—for instance, on a borrowed rifle—you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire five groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be touched by a quarter. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: A-32 targets: 9; A-17 or TQ-1 targets: 7; A-36 targets: 5.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Option B—Air Rifle Shooting (BB or Pellet). Do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.a
         Identify the three main parts of an air rifle, and explain how they function.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.b
         Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling an air rifle.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.c
         Identify the two most common types of air rifle ammunition.
      4. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.d
         Explain and demonstrate the five fundamentals of shooting an air rifle: aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow-through.
      5. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.e
         Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot on a range, including understanding and following range procedures and commands.
      6. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.f
         Explain the basic safety rules for cleaning an air rifle, and identify the materials needed.
      7. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.g
         Demonstrate how to clean an air rifle properly and safely.
      8. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.h
         Discuss what points you would consider in selecting an air rifle.
      9. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.i
         Using a BB gun or pellet rifle and shooting from a benchrest or supported prone position at 15 feet for BB guns or 33 feet for pellet rifles, fire five groups (three shots per group) that can be touched by a quarter.
      10. # Copy link to requirement 2.b.j
          Adjust sights to center the group on the target and fire five groups (five shots per group). In the event that your instructor determines it is not practical to adjust the sights—for instance, on a borrowed air rifle—you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire five groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be touched by a quarter. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: BB rifle at 15 feet (or 5 meters) using TQ-5 targets: 8; Pellet rifle at 25 feet using TQ-5 targets: 8; Pellet rifle at 33 feet (or 10 meters) using AR-1 targets: 6.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Option C—Muzzleloading Rifle Shooting. Do the following:
      1. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.a
         Discuss with your counselor a brief history of the development of muzzleloading rifles.
      2. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.b
         Identify principal parts of muzzleloading rifles and discuss how they function.
      3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.c
         Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling a muzzleloading rifle.
      4. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.d
         Identify the various grades of black powder and explain their proper and safe use.
      5. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.e
         Discuss proper safety procedures pertaining to black powder storage.
      6. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.f
         Discuss proper components of a load.
      7. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.g
         Identify proper procedures and accessories used for safely loading a muzzleloading rifle.
      8. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.h
         Identify the causes of a muzzleloading rifle’s failure to fire, and explain what a misfire, hangfire, and squib fire are. Explain and demonstrate proper preventive measures, and the procedures to follow in response to each.
      9. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.i
         Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely shoot a muzzleloading rifle on a range, including understanding and following range procedures and commands.
      10. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.j
          Explain the basic safety rules for cleaning a muzzleloading rifle, and identify the materials needed.
      11. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.k
          Demonstrate how to clean a muzzleloading rifle properly and safely.
      12. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.l
          Discuss what points you would consider in selecting a muzzleloading rifle.
      13. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.m
          Using a muzzleloading rifle of .45 or .50 caliber and shooting from a benchrest or supported prone position, fire three groups (three shots per group) at 50 feet that can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can.
      14. # Copy link to requirement 2.c.n
          Adjust the sights to center the group on the target and fire three groups (five shots per group). In the event that your instructor determines it is not practical to adjust the sights—for instance, on a borrowed muzzleloading rifle—you may explain (rather than doing) how to adjust the sights, and then fire three groups (five shots per group) in which all shots can be covered by the base of a standard-size soft drink can. According to the target used, each shot in the group must meet the following minimum score: at 25 yards using NRA A-23 or NMLRA 50-yard targets: 7; at 50 yards using NRA A-25 or NMLRA 100-yard targets: 7.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Identify how you could apply the skills and knowledge of safe and responsible use of firearms you learned in this merit badge to pursue a career or personal hobby. Research the additional training and experience you would need, expenses you may incur, and the affiliation with organizations that could help you maximize the positive impact and enjoyment you gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.